ASK ME ANYTHING: Several people have quizzed me about how to get started with cold water swimming this week and as I am keen to spread the addictive joy of a cooling dip I’m here to answer questions, from how and when to what to wear. Temperatures are heading below 10 degrees here in London at the ponds, lakes and lidos so it’s best you are prepared. I’ve been swimming through winter for about five years now and interviewed many experts so go ahead and ask me anything!
Ah thank you so much. Yes, I think I am staying in too long. It’s so seductive once you get to that stage where it all feels so effortless, I can never resist a couple more lengths. But the severity of the afterdrop made me realise you can have too much of a good thing. I’m also getting one of those neoprene swim hats, which I think will help. Chai sounds delicious, great idea.
Hi, really basic questions as I've never done cold water swimming in the winter - only during the summer months at Parliament Hill Lido. What should I wear whilst swimming - just a swimsuit or should I invest in something more substantial that keeps you warmer? Also how long should I be in the water to start with? Final question, do you shower as soon as you get out or just get dressed and then go home and shower?
I’ve just started swimming at Parliament Hill having swim at the reservoir since the summer - I do, I find, infinitely prefer the sparkly pool. But tell me about the sauna, do you use it? I often do feel a bit lightheaded after I come out as I warm up and I’m a bit nervous of introducing another temperature extreme. Or maybe the thing to do is sauna first? If you use it, curious to know what works for you?
This may not be the right place to ask this, so pls excuse me but do you know anyone who has started swimming after turning 60? I’m a mag editor looking for a subject that fits that bill. Would be very interested in talking with you too.
A cold water plunge: who's in?
Ah thank you so much. Yes, I think I am staying in too long. It’s so seductive once you get to that stage where it all feels so effortless, I can never resist a couple more lengths. But the severity of the afterdrop made me realise you can have too much of a good thing. I’m also getting one of those neoprene swim hats, which I think will help. Chai sounds delicious, great idea.
That book
Why we swim by Bonnie Tsui was one of my fave reads this year..
Hi, really basic questions as I've never done cold water swimming in the winter - only during the summer months at Parliament Hill Lido. What should I wear whilst swimming - just a swimsuit or should I invest in something more substantial that keeps you warmer? Also how long should I be in the water to start with? Final question, do you shower as soon as you get out or just get dressed and then go home and shower?
I’ve just started swimming at Parliament Hill having swim at the reservoir since the summer - I do, I find, infinitely prefer the sparkly pool. But tell me about the sauna, do you use it? I often do feel a bit lightheaded after I come out as I warm up and I’m a bit nervous of introducing another temperature extreme. Or maybe the thing to do is sauna first? If you use it, curious to know what works for you?
In what ways do you think cold water swimming has enhanced your life?
This may not be the right place to ask this, so pls excuse me but do you know anyone who has started swimming after turning 60? I’m a mag editor looking for a subject that fits that bill. Would be very interested in talking with you too.
Best way to warm up after a cold swim? This is my first winter swimming and I take ages to warm up afterwards....
Best places in London for cold swimming?